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Hi Andrea, please consider my application for the Montane Featherlight Down Jacket.
I have read and agree to the BackpackGearTest.org Survival Guide and bylaws v.0609 and have a tester agreement on file. This Test will not conflict with my other current Tests.
Applicant: Bob Sanders
Gender: Male
Age: 58
Weight: 215 lb (97 kg)
Height: 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
Location: Rollinsville, Colorado
Backpacking Background:
I have evolved from a traditional backpacker to a lightweight/ultralight backpacker. During the colder months (November to April) my base weight is between 13 and 18 lb. During the fall/winter season I prefer to sleep in a tent and I do carry extra insulation layers and a gas stove to prepare meals and melt snow for water. I usually travel between 6 and 15 miles for day hikes and overnighters. Depending on snow levels I may also carry snowshoes.
Test Plan:
I live and work at 9000 ft (2740 m) in the Rocky Mountains. We get a lot of snow and during this testing period (November to February). Depending on the temperatures the snow can be wet and heavy or dry and powdery. Temperatures can range between 40 F (4 C) during the day and -20 F (-29 C) at night. This jacket appears to be the perfect jacket for such conditions. I can see myself wearing it daily, around the house and on the trail. I see it being used as an outer layer and a mid-insulation layer and adding another layer on top of it when the temperatures really plummet.
I've been backpacking regularly in the Rockies since 1986. I day-hike or snowshoe a couple of times each week and will be wearing or carrying this jacket with me. I try do at least one quick weekend backpacking trip each month, and often take three-day trips. I'm usually hiking or camping in alpine terrain, at altitudes of 5000 to 10000 ft (1500-3000 m). During the winter months I prefer base camp backpacking, a long hike in with day trips from camp. I have even been known to wear snowshoes and pull a sled. I have a down jacket that I use for these trips but it does not have a hood and does not contain water resistant down. These are the two features I am really excited about to test. In wet sloppy conditions I would usually bring a synthetic jacket but I would bring this one instead.
I will be looking at warmth, versatility, durability, fit, comfort, wind resistance, how well the jacket sheds snow and moisture, how well the jacket breaths and if the down retains any moisture. Also how well it packs down and how well it re-puffs after removing it from it’s stuff sack.
Tests in progress: Primus Omnilite Ti Stove. FR is due today and I will be posting that report today
Other pending applications: None.
Owner reviews (last 12 months): 0
My Reports are listed at: http://www.backpackgeartest.org/tester_reviews/sherpabob
I serve as a BGT Monitor.
I would like to thank BackpackGearTest and Montane for the possibility of testing this wonderful jacket.